The Office of National Security (ONS), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), have successfully concluded a three-day training on the newly developed Generic Gender Mainstreaming Policy, and the Generic Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (SHEA) Policy for Security Institutions in The Gambia. The convergence held from 14-16 April at Metzy Residential Hotel brought together senior officers from the eight security institutions in The Gambia.
The two policy frameworks were developed in January by a Technical Working Group comprising selected officers from the security services. The objective of the training was to support effective policy implementation, increase the senior officers’ knowledge on these two policies and to enhance their capacity in handling and preventing SHEA cases.
In his remark, Mr. Ken Isaac, Head of Office for DCAF, commended ONS and participating institutions for their collaborative spirit “these policies represent a collective commitment to gender equality and the protection of personnel within our security institutions,” Mr. Isaac mentioned. He further stated that the role is to support national ownership and ensure these frameworks are practical, sustainable, and responsive to the needs on the ground.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of ONS, Ms. Awa Jobe, Senior Policy Analyst and Gender Focal Person, reflected on the workshop’s achievements and the journey since the drafting in January. “From drafting to validation, this process has been truly inclusive,” Jobe stated. “We are now poised to move into implementation, where the real work of mainstreaming gender and preventing SHEA begins.” Ms. Jobe said. She further extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners, and especially the Technical Working Group whose expertise laid the foundation for the policies.
Ms. Jobe also acknowledged the emotional dimension of the work. – “your insights, your questions, and your dedication during these three days have enriched the policies and strengthened our collective resolve.” She emphasized
Key workshop activities included plenary reviews of policy text, breakout sessions to address operational challenges, and peer-led presentations on best practices for gender mainstreaming and SHEA prevention. Participants evaluated risk mitigation strategies, accountability mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks to ensure robust policy enforcement.
As part of the closing ceremony, certificates of participation were presented to all attendees in recognition of their invaluable contributions and unwavering support throughout the workshop. The gesture underscored the importance of collective engagement in building inclusive, accountable, and safe security institutions.
As the workshop drew to a close, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to integrating gender perspectives across all levels of security sector operations and to maintaining zero tolerance for SHEA. The validated policies will now proceed to the ONS for final endorsement, after which roll-out plans, including training, awareness campaigns, and monitoring systems will be activated.
This validation workshop marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to foster inclusive, accountable, and gender-responsive security governance. With these policies in place, ONS and its partners aim to set an international standard for effective and ethical security sector management.